Texture Analysis in the Nailcare Industry: 4: Adhesive properties of nail wraps

Nail wraps are flexible adhesive films that are smoothed onto the nail’s surface and trimmed. 

They provide an opportunity for intricate designs that can be printed by the manufacturer that would otherwise be difficult to paint by hand. 

The design will be consistent across all nails and removes the difficulty of using the non-dominant hand to paint.

Nail wraps must have high initial adhesion to the nail to provide a manicure that will last. If there are weak spots in the adhesive, an edge may peel and the finish will not last. The adhesive strength of the wraps can be tested using the TA.XTplus Texture Analyser. A higher adhesive strength and work of adhesion are generally desirable.

Figure 8: Multi-Hole Indexing Plate
for the Adhesive Indexing System

A simple test has been developed to measure the adhesive force, the work of adhesion and the stringiness of the adhesive on the reverse side of the wraps. To test for variation between or within samples, a large number of tests is recommended. 

The Multi-Hole Indexing Plate (Figure 8) by Stable Micro Systems enables ten tests to be made in quick succession. Ten nail wraps are applied to the underside of the plate, which is attached to an Adhesive Indexing System secured on the instrument bed. A 7mm domical probe is brought into contact with the wrap. A specific load is applied for 3 seconds. 

Figure 9: Adhesive tests of two
different nail wrap samples

The probe is quickly pulled away from the wrap during which time the adhesion forces are measured. Graphs showing the adhesive force of two different nail wrap samples are shown in Figure 9. The higher adhesive force of the black sample than the pink shows it is more suitable for this application. 



 

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We can design and manufacture probes or fixtures for the TA.XTplus texture analyser that are bespoke to your sample and its specific measurement.

Once your measurement is performed, our expertise in its graphical interpretation is unparalleled. Not only can we develop the most suitable and accurate method for the testing of your sample, but we can also prepare analysis procedures that obtain the desired parameters from your curve and drop them into a spreadsheet or report designed around your requirements.
For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

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